Wednesday, May 9, 2018

When a person is arrested or charged with a crime in Washtenaw County, ranging from a misdemeanor drunk driving citation to a capital felony allegation, he/she often doesn’t know where to turn for help. We see firsthand the anxiety, fear and uncertainty this produces, and we’ve heard the most common questions from clients charged with crimes in the Ann Arbor area:

•“Does hiring a local attorney matter?”
•“How do I know if the attorney really practices in Washtenaw County?”
•“How can I trust the attorney that I am retaining?

Why is trial experience so important for a criminal defense attorney? Because the prosecution, police and judges all need to know that the attorney will fight aggressively for a client, or otherwise that attorney will never earn the respect he/she needs to successfully represent clients. And, a proven track record of victories in the courtroom proves that the attorney knows the law, knows how to fight to help his/her clients, and can be the difference between a life-altering conviction and freedom. Lastly, it is often trial-based attorneys who can secure the best plea deals for clients who desire them, as pre-trial litigation can often weaken the prosecutor’s case.

With all the noise and confusion out there, clients looking for the best Criminal Defense Attorney in Ann Arbor should ask these questions of a potential attorney:

•“When was the last criminal trial you conducted, and what was the result?”
•“How many jury trials have you completed in the last 5 years?”
•“Are you a board-certified criminal trial attorney?”

A man is charged with a crime he did not commit; a woman is arrested for drunk driving even though she only consumed two glasses of wine; a husband is jailed for domestic violence and prevented from going home because his ex-wife simply made an allegation of assault. In these scenarios, the potential clients are scared, anxious and pressured to find the right Criminal Defense Attorney to help them. We have seen these scenarios countless times, and we have heard the most common questions coming from clients in their shoes:

“How do I know who will fight for me, and not just take my money and overpromise results?”

“How much trial experience does the attorney have?”

“What should I ask the potential attorney to reassure me that he/she will fight for me?”